RAVENA,
N.Y. — A DMV supervisor from Ravena has been arrested for removing ignition
interlock restrictions on a person's driver's license.

Sherri Freitas, 43, a DMV employee of 25 years, and a supervisor
assigned to the Driver Improvement Unit, allegedly did it for a driver who was
convicted of DWI. Drivers with the interlock restriction are required to
breathe into an ignition interlock device, which is similar to a breathalyzer,
to ensure they are not intoxicated before driving their car.

On two separate occasions, Freitas allegedly accessed the
DMV computer network files pertaining to an individual known to her and removed
the ignition interlock restriction from that individual's DMV record. She did
not have authority to access the DMV records in this manner. Frietas also did
not have authority to alter the DMV records to remove ignition interlock
restrictions.

In addition, Freitas allegedly sent an unauthorized letter on
DMV letterhead to an attorney representing the individual upon whom the
restrictions had been placed regarding the removal of the interlock restriction
from that individual's DMV record. The investigation revealed that Freitas
signed the letter as DMV supervisor, making the letter appear as if her representations
were an official opinion of DMV when in fact they were not.

DMV Commissioner Barbara J. Fiala said: “The employee will
be suspended and will not be able to access any DMV records. Those who attempt
to alter the driving records of any motorist, for any reason, have violated the
law and will be discovered and prosecuted. I congratulate the DMV staff on discovering
this alleged abuse and the Acting Inspector General for her successful
investigation.”

Freitas is charged with two counts of Tampering with Public
Records in the 1st-Degree, two counts of Computer Trespass, two
counts of Computer Tampering in the 3rd-Degree, and three counts of
Official Misconduct.

“By changing the DMV restriction levels, the defendant not
only exceeded her authority as a DMV employee but potentially compromised
public safety. These actions revealed a serious lapse in oversight that DMV has
since corrected,” said Acting Inspector General Scott. “Thankfully this misconduct
was uncovered before anyone was harmed.”